This aphorism means that our inner sense of right and wrong, our conscience, acts as our most reliable guide in life. It steers us in the correct moral direction, much like a compass guides a traveler through unfamiliar territory.
Quote by Friedrich Schiller: “Conscience is a man's compass.”
Conscience is a man's compass.
Insight
Historical Context
Schiller's works frequently dealt with moral dilemmas, freedom, and the individual's struggle against oppressive forces, making conscience a central theme in an era of political upheaval and revolutionary thought.
About the Author
German poet, philosopher, playwright, and historian of the late eighteenth century, one of the most significant figures of German literature. His Ode to Joy was set to music by Beethoven in the Ninth Symphony's final movement, making it one of the most famous texts in Western culture.
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